Nigeria, Oct. 19 -- More than four decades after becoming estranged from his father, Fatai Okoya has publicly appealed to billionaire industrialist Razaq Akanni Okoya for forgiveness and an opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

Mr Fatai, who identifies himself as the Eleganza Group founder's first child, appealed in an open letter that circulated online.

He said the years they had spent apart weighed heavily on him and urged his father to allow them to make peace while they still had time.

"More than four decades have passed, and today, I write with a humble heart, putting aside all pride to say: Dad, I am truly sorry. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me," he wrote.

The letter, signed "Your First Child, Fatai Okoya," has ...